10-30-2018 Parks & Rec Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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STAFF REPORT TO: Mayor Keis and Members of the City Council FROM: Bryce Shearen, Parks & Recreation/Community Services Manager DATE: October 25, 2018 RE: Spooner Park Playground Equipment ACTION TO BE CONSIDERED: Motion to approve and accept grant funds from the GameTime for Spooner Park Playground Equipment in the amount of $84,205.00 & Authorize Payment for Balance of Equipment Costs up to $107,875.25. BACKGROUND: The Spooner Playground was originally budgeted to be replaced in 2017. Staff began the process of getting playground proposals from different vendors. Shortly after, Council directed staff to hold off on the project until the completion of the Parks Master Plan, to make sure that the playground upgrade would fit with the master plan. One common theme was that the new playground should comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) standards to be accessible to people with disabilities. In discussions with staff and through the initial planning process, some issues were identified with the playground area. Those issues were grade challenges, ADA accessibility (around the playground and getting to the playground from the current parking lot), the age of the current containers, and location. At the April 11, 2018, the City Council approved the City Engineer, Lee Elfering to conduct a feasibility study of the area to gain a better understanding of site and the ability to give staff, the Parks & Recreation Commission, and the City Council more information to make a better-informed decision of what should be done in that area. After the completion of the study, it was determined that the current playground containers and the bituminous path network around the shelter and the path to the existing play areas do not meet ADA standards. These findings were presented at the September 6, 2018, Parks & Recreation Commission meeting. In keeping in line with the goals and vision of the Parks Master Plan of having ADA accessibility and more inclusive playgrounds and parks, the Commission felt that it would be best to explore the option to create a new, level container for the new playground equipment. Both Canadian Days and the Little Canada Recreation Association (LCRA) were invited to participate in the conversation of a new container and location. Canadian Days affirmed that the potential new location of the playground container would not affect their operation and the LCRA said they would be interested in contributing funds but would like to see a playground with inclusive play features and ADA accessibility. Staff started to explore and research the size, shape, and location of a new container for the playground equipment. Staff was also researching new equipment and a grant opportunity was